02-26-14 Study Session MinutesYELM CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26,2014,5:00 P.M.
Mayor Pro -tem Isom called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m
Present: Councilmembers; JW Foster, Bob Isom, Tracey Wood, Ken Garmann, Russ Hendrickson, Joe Baker
arrived 5:35 p.m. Staff: Shelly Badger, Ryan Johnstone, Todd Stancil, Grant Beck, Tami Merriman, Stephanie
Ray, Sonia Ramirez, Kevin Ray.
Mayor Harding arrived 5:12 p.m.
Presentation: Public Works Ryan Johnstone, Public Works Director provided a presentation of the goals,
responsibilities and services provided by the PW department as directed by the Mayor. Kevin Ray, Field
Supervisor was present to assist. Ryan's Power Point presentation introduced a well-rounded staff with
diverse interests, 3 Streets, 3 Water, 3 Parks, and 5 WWTP. PW is responsible for service and maintenance
for 20 miles of paved streets, 500 signs, 33 miles of sidewalk, water and sewer line infrastructure, wastewater
treatment plant, 75 acres of parks and landscape and 125,000 sq ft of building spaces in addition to
stormwater, animal control, fleet vehicle and equipment maintenance, related committee work, project support
and preparation for events and clean-up.
Joe Baker arrived 5:35 p.m.
Ryan provided more detail on each department, an update on current projects and recent improvements in
operations to improve efficiency while facing the challenges of a growing community, necessary public health
requirements, safety standards and catching up deferred maintenance on an aging infrastructure with a ready
workforce.
YMC Amendment related to Law Enforcement. Todd Stancil provided handouts of proposed amendments
to the Yelm Municipal Code related to WA State Law: YMC, Chapter 10, Impoundment of vehicle while license
suspended or revoked and DUI related to the RCW- Washington Model Traffic Ordinance and Fireworks
(YMC 5.32.030) and State Law (RCW 70.77.395 (1) and (2)).
After presentation and discussion, Council came to consensus.
CONSENSUS TO DIRECT STAFF TO MAINTAIN YMC FIREWORKS CHAPTER TIED TO PERMITTING.
CONSENSUS TO DIRECT STAFF TO BRING MODEL TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO COUNCIL
Unified Development Code Update, Tami Merriman provided Council with draft of Unified Design Code in a
binder that was created to ease the development process by consolidating chapters from the YMC and placing
guidelines in the UDC to include revamped zoning designations, permitting and design guidelines. Provided in
one place to streamline and make the process more understandable and easier to utilize by staff, Developers,
Tree Board, Parks Board and Yelm Historic Preservation Commission. Staff has been working on the project
for some time in conjunction with the Planning Commission. Staff is planning to outreach to multiple sources;
the public, real estate agencies, builders, developers, Chamber, the business community and schedule an
open house meeting, prior to a public hearing.
Council and Mayor suggested Planning Commission members attend the public events as well.
Mayor's Report. Mayor Harding updated Council on the available parking in the City core after receiving a
petition at the previous night's meeting from Steve Craig and downtown business owners. Staff provided a
map of locations of the 144 existing parking spaces and noted that the new community center would increase
that number by 25 where the space designated for the new skateboard park would only fit 10 spaces if used
for parking only. Mayors plans to outreach to the business owners.
Yelm Senior Center has been struggling financially and with members leaving in mist of leadership upheaval.
After discussion with the new board, suggesting an increase in the financial support from City to the Center to
regain membership stability and ensure completion of the 2 years remaining on the City administered block
grant.
CONSENSUS TO ADD THIS TOPIC TO COUNCILMEETING FOR DISCUSSION TO INCREASE MONTHLY
SUPPORT TO YELM SENIOR CENTER UNDER TERMS OF A CONTRACT.
Council Initiatives.
Councilmember Foster proposed that agenda packets go exclusively paperless, with the potential to purchase
tablets. A quick vote determined that about half of the members use the on-line version and half use the
printed copy prior to meeting.
CONCENSUS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE PRINTED COPIES OF THE AGENDA PACKETS.
Councilmember Baker inquired about limits to burning in the City. Councilmember Foster responded that
burning manmade materials is not allowed in the City. However, fires are allowed for recreational purposes if
no damage is done. Enforcement for Thurston County is a challenge but Olympic Region Clean Air Agency
(ORCAA) will act on complaints.
Adjourn: 8:08 p.m. n
Attest:
R Ha ding, Major nine Schnepf, City Clerk
SCANNED